I find myself in a similar situation as I was several years ago when working for Trudy McCaffery and John Toffan in California. Back then, we had a horse that couldn't be sold even though he was offered in several sales. No one wanted to purchase him. That horse's name was Came Home (for Came Home's full story check out Horsing Around archives) and he had a tremendous career.
This year, I'm working for trainer Dallas Stewart and the story is much the same with a horse called Mark of Success. It's an interesting name, too, don't you think? And his tattoo registration number is G12345—very unusual.
In three career starts Mark of Success has two wins and a second-place finish in the Grade III Risen Star Stakes. Not bad for a horse who broke his maiden for a $30,000 claiming tag.
Before that race, in mid November, Mark of Success, was thoroughly examined in the paddock by several trainers toying with the idea of claiming the two year old gelding. What they saw in the paddock was probably not very appealing. He was on the thin side, and maybe 15 hands high--not an eye-catching specimen. But, when he runs, the eye sees something very different.
David Flores rode Mark of Success in his first start and they won by six lengths. Stewart then sent the gelding and 12 other horses to Louisiana Downs for the Fair Grounds meet. There, several jockeys declined to ride him. Finally, Calvin Borel accepted the mount and Mark of Success won by four and one-half lengths over some promising foes with Kentucky Derby aspirations.
Mark of Success now has the attention of many racing experts. Several offers to purchase the gelding surfaced, but none was serious enough to consider.
Mark of Success made his next start in the Risen Star Stakes against a well-seasoned Lawyer Ron. Mark went to the lead and battled until the last sixteenth of a mile when Ron caught him. Mark of Success finished second.
Since he was now placed in a graded stakes, a serious offer to purchase him came from a West Coast trainer. I felt sick when I heard about the possibility of losing Mark. After all, he is the 'Little Big Horse,' the one in the first stall next to the office, the one begging for peppermints every time someone walks by. He is my boy.
When I led him out of his stall for a visual examination, the folks who were interested in purchasing him remarked, "If only he was a little more attractive."
I almost began to cry. The rejection was too much to take. I hope he doesn't understand what's going on. To me he is the best looking horse in the barn. I know his heart is the biggest.
When I led him back into his stall he looked at me as if to say, "Did I do good, mom?" Yes, Mark, you did very good.
The next race for him is on February 20, in the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park. Another horse, also a bit on the small side, won the Southwest two years ago. You might remember him. His name is Smarty Jones.
I will keep you up-to-date with Mark's progress as he proves the old adage true: Never judge a book by its cover.
Mark handles the racing surface at Oaklawn Park very well and gallops a mile and one-quarter daily. He worked five-eighths of a mile in 1:01 3/5 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:13 under Calvin Borel.
Folks may say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Well, this little guy looks beautiful to me when he is standing tall in the winner's circle.
Mark of Success
Mark of Success and groom Luis Garcia
Mark of Success and Richard Guidry
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